Group repairs original Fort Wayne

Fire in 2004 had damaged the structure.

Fire in 2004 had damaged the structure.

July 10, 2006

FORT WAYNE (AP) -- A group working to restore a replica of the original Fort Wayne, damaged by fire two years ago, hopes the wooden structure will be part of downtown's revival. A few thousand people strolled through the replica military garrison during the recent Germanfest, and several more events are planned for the fort located north of downtown. "I don't think people realize how historically rich this area is," said Keith Layman, treasurer of Historic Fort Wayne Inc., a nonprofit group that runs the fort for the city parks department. The group took over the fort after it sat dormant for years and then caught fire in July 2004. A study for the city estimated the area needed $350,000 worth of repairs. But Layman said private estimates showed the fort needed between $30,000 and $35,000 worth of repairs. The external damage from the fire has been fixed, and the group plans to do the interior work soon. The group failed to meet its goal of raising $75,000 in its first year, but Layman said contributions are increasing, and the amount of donated materials and labor has been tremendous. The group is looking for a company to help it erect a stockade fence around the fort. The stockade was removed in 1996 so the grounds would be accessible. Layman said the fort can be used to teach Native American culture up to the Civil War. The group's ultimate goal is to create a foundation to pay for the fort's operation so it can be open daily from April to October to offer tours or events to residents and students.